Diesel Data: Automotive Repair

Engine Block Heater: Service and Repair

Block Heater





Material

Removal
1. Drain the cooling system.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.





3. Disconnect the block heater electrical connector.





4. CAUTION: Make sure the cylinder block bore does not become scratched when removing the block heater. Failure to follow this instruction may result in coolant leaks.

Remove the block heater.
^ Discard the block heater.

Installation

NOTE: Install a new block heater.

1. Clean the inside diameter of the cylinder block bore and surface.





2. NOTE: Apply a small amount of engine coolant to the block heater O-ring seal before installing it to the cylinder block.

NOTE: Do not tighten the block heater at this stage.

Install the block heater with the electrical connector of the block heater at the 9 o'clock position.





3. CAUTION: Do not overtighten the block heater. Failure to follow this instruction may result in coolant leaks.

CAUTION: If the block heater spins in the cylinder block bore more than 1/16 turn while tightening the screw, remove and discard the block heater. Do not attempt to turn the blocker heater back into position, as this will stretch the O-ring seal. Failure to follow this instruction may result in coolant leaks.

NOTE: Make sure that the block heater remains in the 9 o'clock position when tightening the block heater.

Tighten the block heater.





4. Connect the block heater electrical connector.
5. Lower the vehicle.
6. Fill and bleed the coolant system.